The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Resiliency Council (PDRRMRC) continues to carry out emergency flood mitigation works in Ilocos Norte to minimize the dangers posed by the Southwest Monsoon, also known as “Habagat.”
Based on Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the rainfall volume in Ilocos Norte for July 2021 has exceeded the monthly average in comparison to the below-average rainfall in the previous months.
To avoid the Typhoon Ineng incident in August 2019, the PDRRMRC has sent equipment to flood-prone and low-lying towns, primarily in Laoag City, Batac City, and Paoay, to clear waterways and desilt rivers and creeks.
Likewise, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) and concerned agencies constantly monitor critical infrastructures like roads and bridges, flood control structures, and irrigation systems, among others.
“Motorists traveling through Barangay Pancian, Pagudpud are still concerned about the landslide due to continuous heavy rain. To ensure that the road stays open to traffic, DPWH crews and equipment have been stationed at the location to clean the road of debris materials as quickly as possible,” Mr. Marcell N. Tabije, Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer IV, added.
Moreover, PGIN fosters community engagement to sustain the province’s disaster response through cash-for-work programs where beneficiaries are hired to work on flood control projects in their respective barangays.
“We appeal to all our kakailian to always be prepared and pro-active in these times,” Mr. Tabije ended. (Blessing Angel V. Agliam, PGIN-CMO)